New York Noise: The underground in pictures

New York Noise: The underground in pictures

New York Noise brings together the work of Paula Court, the iconic photographer who captured the debauchery, sleaze and art of 1980s New York. Lou Reed, ESG, Richard Hell and George Clinton are just a handful of the musicians who appear in this stunning book of images representing New York’s underground scene, or as David Byrne called it, the 'bohemian living museum'. Click
here for more information on New York Noise: Art and Music from the New York Underground 1978-88, available from Soul Jazz Records for £19.95

Laurie Anderson rehearsing in 1980. Anderson was known for inventing the tape-bow violin in the late 70s. Magnetic tape replaced the traditional horsehair bow and a magnetic tape head was placed in the bridge to create an electric sound

Tom Verlaine, lead singer of art-punk quartet Television, pictured in 1985, some years after band split up. Verlaine would pursue a moderately successful solo career and Television would reunite for a third album in the 90s

Seminal art-funk siblings ESG (which either stands for Emerald, Sapphire and Gold or Enterprising Scroggins Girls, depending on who you believe) pose with their parents backstage at The Other End in 1980. Clockwise from top: Renee Scroggins, Helen Scroggins, Deborah Scroggins, Marie Scroggins, Valerie Scroggins, John Scroggins

New Yorkers seeking fun in the East Village tended to head to the Pyramid Club, a place where the area’s musicians and artists created a centre of hedonism and cultural expression on their own doorstep